Process control of temperature and humidity for electrical appliances

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method of operating electrical appliances, specifically for air conditioner, which aims to limit the maximum temperature of an environment as well as its minimum humidity level, thus providing greater local comfort and better health conditions when compared with those already known in the art. The invention is characterized by the fact that at least one control unit comprises a function for limiting the maximum temperature cooperating with at least one temperature sensor, and said maximum temperature limit function automatically activates the appliance compressor when the temperature sensor detects the maximum adjusted temperature. It is also characterized by the fact that at least one control unit comprises a minimum humidity limit function cooperating with at least one humidity sensor, and said minimum humidity limit function automatically activates the appliance humidifier when the humidity sensor detects the minimum adjusted humidity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of operating electricalappliances, specifically for air conditioner, which aims to limit themaximum temperature of an environment as well as its minimum humiditylevel, thus providing greater local comfort and better health conditionswhen compared with those already known in the art.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As it is known in the art, the air conditioner has the function ofcooling the environmental air by an exchanging process, i.e., theappliance captures the air, cools it, and then gives it back into theenvironment. The humidifiers serve to humidify the environment and,thus, improving air quality, helping in the control of respiratoryproblems, improving the environment for plants, pets, among others.

Normally, considering that the temperature cooling provided by airconditioners leaves a too dry air, some equipment available todaycombine these two functions of cooling and humidifying the airsimultaneously, or implementing each of these functions independently.

It occurs, however, that in general the air conditioning appliancesoperate according to the user-defined target temperatures during itsuse, so that when this temperature is off the target temperature, thecompressor and evaporator appliance are activated and inactivatedaccording to the control algorithms already known, so as to maintain theenvironmental temperature closest to the target temperature as possible.However, no known air conditioner appliance operates according to amaximum environmental temperature, i.e., aiming not only to maintain theadjusted target temperature, but avoiding the occurrence of highertemperatures than those appropriate in order to ensure the environmentalcomfort, even when the equipment was previously turned off.

In this regard, it is clear that the common variation between lowtemperatures provided by the appliance and high temperatures eventuallyreached when the equipment is turned off, causes a thermal expansion andconstriction in the local furniture and may cause cracks and thereforedisorders. Furthermore, the high temperatures also affect the comfort ofpets eventually present in this place, and may cause premature ripeningof fruits and other products.

Similarly, it is known that humidity low levels leave the air extremelydry, and may cause cracks in furniture, and in some foods, skin drynessand fruit dryness, in addition to causing respiratory problems for bothhumans and animals eventually residents and/or attenders of the place.

In trying to solve the problem of air dryness caused by the use of airconditioners, it was developed an appliance that combines the functionof air conditioner and humidifier without, however, having a solution tothe problem of temperatures that reach a value above those consideredsuitable for the environment or that provide automatic control of bothlocal temperature and humidity.

It is noted, however, that the current state of the art lacks ofsolutions for air conditioning appliances that, in addition to combiningthe functions of conditioning and humidification, still perform, in anautomatic and effective manner, the local temperature and humiditycontrol.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an objective of this invention to provide a process oftemperature and humidity control for electrical appliances thatautomatically functions whenever is detected an environmentaltemperature value above a suitable predefined value.

Additionally, it is amongst other objectives of the present invention toprovide a process of temperature and humidity control for electricalappliances that automatically functions whenever is detected a humidityvalue below a suitable adjusted minimum value.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a process ableto monitor local conditions and automatically activates on detectinginadequate temperature and humidity patterns, even if the electricalappliance is turned off.

Furthermore, the invention is aimed to achieve above objectives without,however, requiring the installation of components additional to thoseused in similar known appliances, which are: compressor, control unit,condenser, evaporator, humidifier, humidity sensor and temperaturesensor, among others.

Therefore, it is one of the objectives of the invention to provide aprocess of temperature and humidity control for electrical appliancesthat, only through an amendment of operational routine, is able tomonitor and control the air temperature and humidity in an environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objectives are achieved through a process of temperature andhumidity control for electrical appliances, specifically for airconditioners, which comprises at least one control unit cooperating witha fan, a compressor and a temperature sensor, wherein, in a preferredembodiment of the invention, at least one control unit comprises amaximum temperature limit function cooperating with at least onetemperature sensor, and said maximum temperature limit functionautomatically activates the appliance compressor when the sensortemperature detects the maximum adjusted temperature.

Preferably, also, at least one temperature sensor and said limitfunction maximum temperature remain constantly active, even when theappliance is in “off” condition and, therefore, the maximum temperaturelimit function activates the appliance compressor even if the electricalappliance is in “off” condition.

This procedure, therefore, is characterized by the fact that the maximumtemperature limit function comprises a temperature hysteresis.

It should be clarified that said process of temperature controlcomprises the following steps:

-   -   the user logs in at least one control unit, the maximum        acceptable temperature for the environment;    -   at least one temperature sensor constantly performs the        monitoring of the environment temperature, and at this stage, if        the appliance considers it necessary, it may be performed the        connection of the ventilation system aiming to equalize possible        environmental temperature unbalances, thus ensuring an assertive        average temperature measurement;    -   if the temperature sensor identifies that the environmental        temperature is equal to or greater than the maximum adjusted        temperature, the maximum temperature limit function sends an        information to at least one control unit for activating the        appliance compressor for X minutes;    -   it is verified if the temperature hysteresis was satisfied, and        if so, the appliance is turned off, and if not, a new        verification of the environmental temperature is made with        respect to the maximum allowable temperature.

The objectives are also achieved through a process of humidity controlfor electrical appliances, specifically for air conditioners, whichcomprises at least one control unit cooperating with a fan, acompressor, a humidifier, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one control unitcomprises a minimum humidity limit function cooperating with at leastone humidity sensor, and said limiting minimal humidity functionautomatically activates the appliance humidifier when the humiditysensor detects the minimum adjusted humidity.

It should be clarified that at least one humidity sensor and saidminimal humidity limit function remain constantly active, even when theappliance is in “off” condition and therefore the minimum humidity limitfunction activates the appliance humidifier even if the electricalappliance is in “off” condition.

Preferably, within this process, the minimal humidity limit functioncomprises a humidity hysteresis and additionally, said process comprisesthe following steps:

-   -   the user logs in at least one control unit, the minimum        acceptable humidity for the environment;    -   at least one humidity sensor constantly performs the monitoring        of the environment humidity, and at this stage, if the appliance        considers it necessary, it may be performed the connection of        the ventilation system aiming to equalize possible environmental        humidity unbalances, thus ensuring an assertive average humidity        measurement;    -   if the humidity sensor identifies that the environmental        humidity is equal to or lesser than the minimum adjusted        humidity, the minimum humidity limit function sends an        information to at least one control unit for activating the        appliance humidifier;    -   it is verified if the humidity hysteresis was satisfied, and if        so, the appliance is turned off, and if not, a new verification        of the environmental humidity is made with respect to the        minimum allowable humidity.

It should be emphasized that the invention also relates to a process ofsimultaneous temperature and humidity control for electrical appliances,carried out according to the characteristics of the individual controlprocess described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in detail based on the figuresshown below, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a flowchart representing the operation of a temperaturecontrol used in an air conditioner of the current state of the art;

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart representing the operation logistics of theprocess of temperature control for electrical appliance, which is anobject of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a representative flowchart of an appliance operation of thecurrent state of the art that simultaneously performs the functions ofair conditioner and humidifier; and

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart representing the operation logistics of theprocess of humidity control for electrical appliance, which is an objectof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention will be described below in moredetail, but merely in an illustrative and not limitative manner, sincethe appliance disclosed herein may comprise different details anddimensional and structural aspects without thereby not being encompassedby the desired scope of protection.

The present invention relates to a process of temperature and humiditycontrol for electrical appliances.

Concerning the process of environmental temperature control, it isspecifically intended for use in air conditioners comprising a controlunit responsible for managing the operation of a fan and a compressor,acting also according to the readings obtained by a temperature sensor,wherein said control unit includes an upper temperature limit functionwhich is directly linked to the temperature sensor of the appliance.

Therefore, this function is programmed to act whenever the temperaturesensor identifies that the environmental temperature is equal to orgreater than a reference value which can be adjusted by the user or afactory setting, in a value or a range of predefined values.

Accordingly, in the process of temperature control, object of thepresent invention, said maximum temperature limit function automaticallyactivates the appliance compressor when the temperature sensor detectsthe maximum adjusted temperature, thereby activating the coolingfunction of the appliance in order to reduce the temperature and thusmaintaining at a suitable level for the environment, according to theuser preferences or local needs.

Therefore, it is important to highlight that the electrical appliancethat uses the process of this invention, both the temperature sensor andthe maximum temperature limit function remain constantly active, whetherthe appliance is turned on, whether it is in “off” or standby mode. Thatmakes the environmental temperature control be constant, and thenecessary actions, to maintain the temperature at a value lower than thelimited one, are performed independently of human actions and equipmentactivation.

It is also important to emphasize that the maximum temperature limitfunction of said process of temperature control comprises temperaturehysteresis, i.e., comprises means for maintaining the temperature withina range of acceptable values without human intervention, thus resultingin an automatic, efficient and practical process.

Thus, the process of temperature control comprises the following steps:

-   -   initially, the user determines the maximum acceptable        temperature to the environment in which the appliance is        installed, recording such value through the control unit;    -   having the maximum temperature been parameterized, the        temperature sensor constantly performs the monitoring of the        environmental temperature;    -   if the temperature sensor identifies that the environmental        temperature is equal to or greater than the maximum adjusted        temperature, the maximum temperature limit function sends an        information to the control unit for activating the appliance        compressor for X minutes, so that the cooling system is        activated and the local temperature starts to drop, then falling        outside the range of inadequate value. It should be clarified        that the time X may vary as needed;    -   then it is verified if the hysteresis temperature was satisfied.        If so, the appliance is turned off, and if not, a new        verification of the environmental temperature is made with        respect to the maximum allowable temperature.

Similarly, the process described above can be used to perform theenvironmental humidity control, especially in air conditioners whichadditionally comprise the humidifier function—i.e., those provided witha control unit cooperating with a fan, a compressor, a humidifier, atemperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

In this case, the control unit comprises a minimum humidity limitfunction cooperating with at least one humidity sensor, and saidlimiting minimal humidity function automatically activates the appliancehumidifier when the humidity sensor detects the minimum adjustedhumidity.

Also, in this process, the humidity sensor and the minimal humiditylimit function remain constantly active, even when the electricalappliance is in “off” condition, so that even if the electricalappliance is off, its humidifier will be activated if the humidity leveldetected is equal to or lesser than the value defined by the user or thefactory.

Therefore, said minimal humidity limit function of said control processcomprises hysteresis humidity.

Note that it is possible that the same equipment air conditioner hasboth functions of control, i.e., temperature and humidity withoutthereby departing from the scope of the desired protection.

It is also important to note that the above description has as solepurpose of describing, in exemplary manner, some preferred embodimentsof the present invention. Therefore, it becomes clear that a personskilled in the art understands that various modifications, variationsand constructive combinations of the elements that perform the samefunction substantially in the same manner to achieve the same results,are still within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

1. Process of temperature control for electrical appliances,specifically for air conditioners, which comprises at least one controlunit cooperating with a fan, a compressor and a temperature sensor,CHARACTERIZED by the fact that at least one control unit comprises amaximum temperature limit function cooperating with at least onetemperature sensor, and the said maximum temperature limit functionautomatically activates the appliance compressor when the temperaturesensor detects a maximum adjusted temperature.
 2. Process according toclaim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the at least one temperaturesensor and the maximum temperature limit function remain constantlyactive, even when the appliance is in “off” condition.
 3. Processaccording to claims 1 and 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the maximumtemperature limit function activates the compressor even if theelectrical appliance is in “off” condition.
 4. Process according toclaim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the maximum temperature limitfunction comprises a temperature hysteresis.
 5. Process according toclaim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises the followingsteps: the user logs in at least one control unit, the maximumacceptable temperature for the environment; at least one temperaturesensor constantly performs the monitoring of the environmenttemperature, and at this stage, if the appliance considers it necessary,it may be performed the connection of the ventilation system aiming toequalize possible environmental temperature unbalances, thus ensuring anassertive average temperature measurement; if the temperature sensoridentifies that the environmental temperature is equal to or greaterthan the maximum adjusted temperature, the maximum temperature limitfunction sends an information to at least one control unit foractivating the appliance compressor for X minutes; it is verified if thetemperature hysteresis was satisfied, and if so, the appliance is turnedoff, and if not, a new verification of the environmental temperature ismade with respect to the maximum allowable temperature.
 6. Process ofhumidity control for electrical appliances, specifically for airconditioners, which comprises at least one control unit cooperating witha fan, a compressor, a humidifier, a temperature sensor and a humiditysensor, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that at least one control unitcomprises a minimum humidity limit function cooperating with at leastone humidity sensor, and said minimal humidity limit functionautomatically activates the appliance humidifier when the humiditysensor detects the minimum pre-determined humidity.
 7. Process accordingto claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the at least one sensor andsaid minimum humidity limit function remain constantly active, even whenthe appliance is in “off” condition.
 8. Process according to claims 6and 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the minimum humidity limitfunction activates the humidifier even if the electrical appliance is in“off” condition.
 9. Process according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by thefact that the minimum humidity limit function comprises a humidityhysteresis.
 10. Process according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the factthat it comprises the following steps: the user logs in at least onecontrol unit, the minimum acceptable humidity for the environment; atleast one humidity sensor constantly performs the monitoring of theenvironment humidity, and at this stage, if the appliance considers itnecessary, it may be performed the connection of the ventilation systemaiming to equalize possible environmental humidity unbalances, thusensuring an assertive average humidity measurement; if the humiditysensor identifies that the environmental humidity is equal to or lesserthan the minimum adjusted humidity, the minimum humidity limit functionsends an information to at least one control unit for activating theappliance humidifier; it is verified if the humidity hysteresis wassatisfied, and if so, the appliance is turned off, and if not, a newverification of the environmental humidity is made with respect to theminimum allowable humidity.
 11. Process of temperature and humiditycontrol for electrical appliances, specifically for air conditioners,which comprises at least one control unit cooperating with a fan, acompressor, a humidifier, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor,CHARACTERIZED by the fact of being accomplished according to appendedclaims 1 to 6.